Local innovators in aerospace and space technology now have a new funding opportunity through the Space Vandenberg Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program offering $525,000 aimed at projects in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Launched by REACH, the Central Coast’s economic development organization, the fund is part of the broader Space Vandenberg initiative, which is a collaboration between REACH, Cal Poly, and UC Santa Barbara. This initiative seeks to establish Vandenberg Space Force Base as a premier commercial spaceport and innovation hub, creating jobs and training opportunities.
The fund is supported by the California Jobs First program, with funding available for a diverse group of applicants, including student teams, researchers, startups, and established companies. There are three funding tiers based on project development stage:
- Discover: Up to $7,500 for early-stage ideas.
- Ignite: Up to $50,000 for advancing promising technologies.
- Launch: Up to $100,000 for technologies ready for market.
The program aims to stimulate a variety of activities from research and tech commercialization to partnerships and testing infrastructure, bolstering the region’s position in the growing space sector.
Application Process
- Letters of Intent are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 2.
- Successful candidates will receive a tailored application due by 5 p.m. Oct. 16.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
Award winners will be announced in December. More information can be found at spacevandenberg.com.
For inquiries, email spacevandenbergadmin@reachcentralcoast.org with “Space Vandenberg Innovation Fund” in the subject line.
This initiative comes as launch activity at Vandenberg Space Force Base increases, presenting new entrepreneurial opportunities in the region.
